The Indian River Guild recently transported guests on a culinary journey around the world during the 2026 Wine and Dine fundraiser, held at the Grand Harbor Golf Club. The event successfully raised crucial funds to support the Vero Beach-based Hibiscus Village, a vital local initiative of the Hibiscus Children’s Center.
Embracing an Island Hop theme for this year’s gathering, attendees were treated to diverse culinary offerings representing Sicily, Mykonos, Fiji, Cape Cod, and Ibiza. Each international dish was carefully paired with a selection of fine wines to complete the immersive tasting experience.
The core mission of the evening, however, was anchored in providing critical support for local youth in crisis. The Hibiscus Village is a 37-bed group home facility that serves as a safe haven for teenagers between the ages of 12 and 17. These youths have been removed from their homes by the state due to circumstances involving abuse, neglect, or abandonment. The facility offers comprehensive care, including direct medical attention, mental health counseling, and specialized developmental programs.
Key features of the Vero Beach Hibiscus Village campus include:
- A Career Pathways Center equipped with Graphic Design and Culinary training components.
- An Academic Achievement Center to help students accelerate their learning and overcome educational gaps.
- Dedicated recreational areas designed to promote a normalized, healthy teenage environment.
Event chair Justine McGrory, who organized the fundraiser alongside Concie Fowler, expressed deep gratitude to the attendees. She noted that the Wine and Dine event is designed to be a more casual evening focused on exceptional food and wine, complementing the Guild’s other seasonal Indian River County events, such as the December Gala and the April Blue Ribbon Fashion Show Luncheon.
Matt Markley, CEO of the Hibiscus Children’s Center, emphasized the essential nature of the private funds raised during the evening. According to Markley, state and federal funding covers approximately 70 percent of the organization’s core operations. The remaining operational budget relies entirely on community support and philanthropic events hosted by local advocates.
“You are supporting kids that you will never know. But I know them. I see them. And I see what Hibiscus does for them… Just on state and federal funds, we would not be able to balance the budget,” stated Markley to the assembled supporters.
Markley explained that many of the teens arrive at the village highly traumatized, confused by their sudden displacement, and often two to three grade levels behind their peers academically. Through the targeted support provided by the Hibiscus Village, these youths are able to process their trauma, build meaningful friendships, and ultimately work toward their high school graduation. Whether a child stays for a few months or several years, the overarching goal of the facility is to prepare them for successful adult independence.
The ongoing dedication of the Indian River Guild has been a cornerstone of this local safety net. Over the course of more than 30 years, the women of the Guild have generated an estimated $10 million in support of the Hibiscus Children’s Center, ensuring that Indian River County’s most vulnerable teenagers have a secure place to heal, learn, and grow.
